Before Grace was born her mum Jane, from Barry, was left distraught when she learnt she had a condition which meant she had two wombs - and would not be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a mum without resorting to IVF.

But just before she and partner Paul Herridge were about to put their names down on the 12-to-18-month waiting list, she received the surprise news that she was pregnant.

Grace was born on July 18, 11 days after her mum's 40th birthday.

Katherine with baby Grace Woodhead and mum Jane Woodhead

Little Grace enjoyed a special cwtch with classical star Katherine at the signing event.

Meanwhile, 34-year-old Jenkins spoke of her delight at returning to South Wales, at the end of a day which saw her return to her old school.

“This is best bit of the whole recording process for me,” she said.

“I’ve spent a year making this album, started choosing what songs to put on it in November and was in the studio from February pretty much through to the end of May.

“But getting to go out and share the music with the fans and seeing their response is what makes it all worth while.

“It’s important to take the time to thank them for their support, it really means a lot to me.”

Katherine at the HMV signing

And London-based Katherine, who recently married her New York film producer boyfriend Andrew Levitas in a lavish ceremony at Hampton Court Palace - admitted it was always fantastic to get a chance to come back to Wales.

“It‘s always great to be here, but today’s been extra special because this morning I got to visit my old school, Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive ” said the singer, who’d made it a morning assembly to remember by belting out a version of the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad y Nhadau accompanied by pupils from the choir.

She also presented a gold album of Home Sweet Home to her former music teacher, to whose hard work and dedication she attributed her showbizsuccess.

And following every step of that decade in the spotlight is Gina Jones from Ogmore Vale, who was first in line to meet her idol.

“She’s a good old-fashioned Welsh girl and I love her,” said the 57-year-old .

“I’ve got all her CDs and couldn’t resist asking her what she’d done with all the lovely dresses she used to wear on stage.

“She told me she’d got a huge room at home where they’re all on numbered hangers.

“Every now and again her friends come round and they all try them on like little kids at a fancy dress party,” she laughed

Angela Howard, 67, from Ammanford was equally thrilled to see her favourite star in the flesh.

“I’ve been a big fan from the very beginning, ever since I heard her introduced as ‘the girl from Neath‘, which is where my husband David also happens to be from.”

However, 16-year-old childcare student Hannah Osborne confessed she wasn’t there for herself.

“I’m after a signed CD to give to my nan as a Christmas present - I just hope she doesn’t read this or else it might spoil the surprise.”